Double Header at Medici’s

On Saturday, September 17th Medici’s presents a fantastic Doubleheader Fall Classic. Two great bands will take our stage and entertain you like none other.

First up will be Mountainview Drive, a local band that has been getting a ton of attention, notoriety and well-earned celebrity here in the valley.

Corrie and Stephane are Mountain View Drive, and they harmonize the great oldies, giving a funky spin to hits from the 40’s, 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s. They’ll take you back to the good old days when lyrics told stories, and harmony soothed souls. Sinatra, The Everly Brothers, The Carpenters, Beatles, Simon and Garfunkel and on and on. These two are as smooth as silk and polished to a gleam.

After the break, a great duo, Chicken-Like Birds, who debuted their stuff at Medici’s in the summer of 2015, will step up with some sweet creative and oh-so-funky sounds.

Chicken-Like Birds, sloppy blues guitar specialist Ari Lantela and Jasmin Frederickson on the double bass sing country blues and ragtime songs about adventure, independent women, cornbread and their own strange relationship. Slap in some on-stage antics, funny stories and some endearing awkwardness and you’ve got Chicken-Like Birds!

Tickets are $20 in advance and seating is assigned. Doors will open at 6:30 and Mountainview Drive will open at 7:30.
Medici’s is at 522 Fairview Road in Oliver, 250-498-2228

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Rebel Luv and Dawn rocked the park

Mikie 1

Mikie Spillett has the audience in the palm of her hand

Dawn 1

Dawn McRae belts out a solo

Yes, it really is Rebel Luv for Ken Repkow and Mikie Spillett

Yes, it really is Rebel Luv for Ken Repkow and Mikie Spillett

Dawn encourages the audience to dance

Dawn encourages the audience to dance

and they do. Here, Mikie accepts Wayne's invitation to dance.

and they do. Here, Mikie accepts Wayne’s invitation to dance.

Penticton Concert Band entertains

MITP 04-07-2013 PCB1The Penticton Concert Band opened the arts council’s Music in the Park series with some exciting rhythms, sweet melodies, and stirring harmonies on Thursday July 4 The warm sunny evening at the Oliver Community Stage (Bandshell) attracted a large crowd. The audience had generous applause for the band conducted by Gerald Nadeau.

The first set opened with the Spanish influenced “Ole!”, and continued with some lovely ballads performed by Madison Johnson, including the chestnut, Love’s Old Sweet Song.  Her warm voice was perfectly suited to the slow lyrical melody, evoking the singing style of 1930s radio. She later lent her voice to two medleys from  Moulin Rouge and West Side Story.

MITP 04-07-2013

Under Nadeau’s baton, the band has been improving by leaps and bounds over the years, with a tight, crisp delivery. Nowhere was this more evident than in the challenging Fuego de Alma, with each section solo underscored by syncopated flamenco hand-clapping from other band members. Their rousing Pirates of the Caribbean was another highlight, earning cheers from the audience. Perhaps the  best evidence of audience appreciation was the energetic dancing and leaping of a few young children. One little boy parried and thrust his way through the Pirates score, emulating Captain Jack Sparrow.

MITP 04-07-2013 Mapplebeck

Music in the Park continues every Thursday in July at the cozier venue of the Riverside Patio at the Oliver Visitor Centre (the historic CPR Station). Thursday July 11 is William Leggott on classical guitar. Thursday July 18 brings The Chaca Laca Love Machine with their funk, reggae, and Latin rhythms. This concert is our special Feed the Valley concert, sponsored by Valley First Credit Union. Bring a food bank donation!  Thursday July 25 is Okanagan Divas CindiyDoucette and Mikie Spillett sharing the stage with a mix of country, jazz, pop, and light rock. Every concert runs 6:30 – 8:30 pm. Admission by donation, with a suggested minimum of $3. Every concert has refreshments by donation (bottled water and baked goods) courtesy of Oliver Lioness Club in support of the Chloe Krueger fundraiser.

Scroll down this page to see the August lineup for Music in the Park, plus info about the Michael Burgess concert.

Don`t forget to stop by the Oliver Farmer`s Market in Lions Park on your way to the concert! Great local produce, preserves, and crafts.

Thursdays: 4:00pm-7:00pm
Open from June 27 to Sept 5, Thursdays: 8am-11am, 4pm-7pm.

Photos:

1. Nadeau conducts the Penticton Concert Band while two young audience members move to the music.

2. Pirates of the Caribbean score inspires children to dance

3. Brian Mapplebeck of Oliver performs with the band.

Photo credit: Penelope Johnson

Help Saige Carlson reach national finals

Carlson Concert

Come experience a delightful evening of song with the incredibly talented and lovely Saige Carlson. Saige will perform a selection of classical vocal pieces from the repertoire she is taking to The CFMTA National Convention Voice Competition finals in Halifax, Nova Scotia next month. Saige will be representing all of BC at this competition organized by the Canadian Federation of Music Teachers’ Associations.  Saige will be accompanied by the well known and renowned pianist, Mr. Dennis Nordlund.  This is a fund- raising event designed  to help Saige travel and compete at one of the highest levels of vocal excellence in our nation. This is the big stage and this is a young woman from our midst. Please come and support her and treat yourself to a wonderful talent.

If you are unable to attend, there will also be a recital at the Lakeside Resort on  Sunday June 23rd at 4:30 PM.  

Hot flamenco to cool jazz at summer's Music in the Park

Nankama-Aug-09-018

The musical lineup reads like a whirlwind trip around the world. Spanish flamenco, Caribbean reggae, funk, South American Latin, country, African djembe …. Save yourself the cost of an airline ticket and join the summer crowd at Music in the Park instead!

Music in the Park is held on Thursdays throughout July and August,  6:30 to 8:00 pm, on the Riverside Patio behind the Oliver Information Centre (the historic CPR Station) at 6431 Station Street with two exceptions listed below. All concerts are admission by donation, with a suggested $5 minimum. :

July 4: Penticton Concert Band: Spanish classics and big band favourites. Oliver Bandshell, Oliver Community Centre, 6359 Park Drive 
July 11: William Leggott, Spanish and Flamenco Guitar. Riverside Patio, Oliver Tourism Information Centre, 6431 Station Street

July 18: The Cha Cha Laca Love Machine, funk, reggae, Latin, plus insanity! Riverside Patio, Oliver Tourism Information Centre, 6431 Station Street Feed the Valley Concert, sponsored by Valley First Credit Union, Food donations accepted in cash or in kind.

July 25: Okanagan Divas; Cindy Doucette and Mikie Spillett. Country, pop, jazz, rock and original. Riverside Patio, Oliver Tourism Information Centre, 6431 Station Street 

Saturday August 3: Michael Burgess in Concert. “Canada’s own Jean Valjean”. Special ticketed performance.  $25 advance, $35 door.  7 pm Oliver Bandshell, Oliver Community Centre, 6359 Park Drive 

August 8: Nankama Drum & Dance. African djembe drumming and dancing.  Riverside Patio, Oliver Tourism Information Centre, 6431 Station Street 

August 15: Guys with Guitars: Jeremy Cook & Brian Highley. Classical guitar, original instrumentals, pop and folk vocals. Riverside Patio, Oliver Tourism Information Centre, 6431 Station Street 

August 22   Jazz Out West. Light jazz and popular standards.  Riverside Patio, Oliver Tourism Information Centre, 6431 Station Street 

Bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on. Picnics welcome, or light refreshments available for purchase.

Pictured: Nankama Drum and Dance

Hot flamenco to cool jazz at summer’s Music in the Park

Nankama-Aug-09-018

The musical lineup reads like a whirlwind trip around the world. Spanish flamenco, Caribbean reggae, funk, South American Latin, country, African djembe …. Save yourself the cost of an airline ticket and join the summer crowd at Music in the Park instead!

Music in the Park is held on Thursdays throughout July and August,  6:30 to 8:00 pm, on the Riverside Patio behind the Oliver Information Centre (the historic CPR Station) at 6431 Station Street with two exceptions listed below. All concerts are admission by donation, with a suggested $5 minimum. :

July 4: Penticton Concert Band: Spanish classics and big band favourites. Oliver Bandshell, Oliver Community Centre, 6359 Park Drive 
July 11: William Leggott, Spanish and Flamenco Guitar. Riverside Patio, Oliver Tourism Information Centre, 6431 Station Street

July 18: The Cha Cha Laca Love Machine, funk, reggae, Latin, plus insanity! Riverside Patio, Oliver Tourism Information Centre, 6431 Station Street Feed the Valley Concert, sponsored by Valley First Credit Union, Food donations accepted in cash or in kind.

July 25: Okanagan Divas; Cindy Doucette and Mikie Spillett. Country, pop, jazz, rock and original. Riverside Patio, Oliver Tourism Information Centre, 6431 Station Street 

Saturday August 3: Michael Burgess in Concert. “Canada’s own Jean Valjean”. Special ticketed performance.  $25 advance, $35 door.  7 pm Oliver Bandshell, Oliver Community Centre, 6359 Park Drive 

August 8: Nankama Drum & Dance. African djembe drumming and dancing.  Riverside Patio, Oliver Tourism Information Centre, 6431 Station Street 

August 15: Guys with Guitars: Jeremy Cook & Brian Highley. Classical guitar, original instrumentals, pop and folk vocals. Riverside Patio, Oliver Tourism Information Centre, 6431 Station Street 

August 22   Jazz Out West. Light jazz and popular standards.  Riverside Patio, Oliver Tourism Information Centre, 6431 Station Street 

Bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on. Picnics welcome, or light refreshments available for purchase.

Pictured: Nankama Drum and Dance

Canada's own Jean Valjean performs in Oliver

Burgess 1

Forget Les Miserables at the movie theatre. Nothing compares to hearing Mr Les Miz in person! Canada’s premier musical tenor, Michael Burgess, is slated to perform on Saturday August 3, at 7 pm at the Oliver Bandshell, brought to you by the Oliver Community Arts Council.  Really? Truly? Yes.

A small number of early-bird tickets will be sold to generate  funds necessary to cover upfront expenses. They are already selling like hotcakes, so contact the arts council to reserve yours fast. They will be sold for the unbelievably (non-refundable) low price of $20 each, a steal when Burgess commands tickets for three to five times that price.

Regular advance tickets, at $25 apiece,  will be sold at local vendors once the first 100 early birds are gone. Ticket price at the door will be $35. Stay tuned for the announcement of vendors in Oliver, Osoyoos, and Penticton,

Early bird tickets can be purchased  from committee members Bernice Myllyniemi, Penelope Johnson, Mary Fry and Stephanie Salsnek. Contact olivercac @ gmail.com and include in your request the number of tickets and preferred payment. Credit card payment can also be received directly by calling Paw Prints Studio and Gallery at 250.498-4732

A popular singer, tenor, and actor,  Michael Burgess was born in Saskatchewan but raised in Toronto. He made his professional debut in The Fantasticks (Edmonton 1968), but came to national prominence as Jean Valjean in the long-running original Canadian staging of Les Misérables (1989-92). Later, he was Don Quixote in Man of La Mancha (Edmonton 1992, Toronto 1993), and appeared in the musicals Ten Lost Years, Blood Brothers, The Fantasticks, and Jacques Brel Is Alive and Well and Living in Paris. He created the role of Victor Frankenstein in the world premiere of Frankenstein . . . Do You Dream (Hamilton, 1 Nov 2003), and of Sound Man in Brian Finley’s Rapunzel (Westben Arts Festival, 10 Jun 2005).

Although without extensive opera training, Burgess sang his first opera role in 1974 (La Bohème, at Toronto’s Dell Cabaret Theatre), and has sung for Dallas Civic Opera, Western Opera Theatre, San Francisco Opera, and Virginia Opera. As Captain Corcoran, he performed in HMS Pinafore for the Stratford Festival in 1981. He was tenor soloist in Messiah with the Bach Elgar Choir (1996), and MacHeath in The Beggar’s Opera for Edmonton’s Citadel Theatre (1995).

Perenially popular among show-tune aficionados for his solo pop concerts and soulful yet virile demeanour, Burgess has toured extensively in Canada (often accompanied by Doug Riley), and has performed with the Vancouver, Edmonton and Winnipeg symphony orchestras and the Calgary Philharmonic. His signature song is “Bring Him Home” from Les Misérables made doubly famous beyond the theatre world when Kurt Browning used his version to perform in the 1990 World Figure Skating Championships.

He is also known in Canada for his frequent vocal performances of national anthems. Hockey fans are sure to have heard his heartfelt renditions that blow the roof off the stadium. Burgess was also the first individual to sing “O Canada” at the baseball World Series, in Atlanta in 1992

The Vancouver Sun praised Burgess’s “intense performance” as Jean Valjean: “Burgess is exquisitely moving when he sings the show’s one beautiful song, ‘Bring Him Home’ . . . .” (26 Jul 1990). Maclean’s said, “Burgess is an affecting Valjean: a solid masculine presence whose soaring spirit is captured by a pulsing tenor” (27 Mar 1989). Burgess holds the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal. and recently was presented with the Order of Ontario.

Burgess performed last summer in Penticton, with 3000 in attendance. Tickets to another concert scheduled for this summer have already sold out — within days,, and at much higher prices. Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to hear the glorious tenor which is … Michael Burgess.

Canada’s own Jean Valjean performs in Oliver

Burgess 1

Forget Les Miserables at the movie theatre. Nothing compares to hearing Mr Les Miz in person! Canada’s premier musical tenor, Michael Burgess, is slated to perform on Saturday August 3, at 7 pm at the Oliver Bandshell, brought to you by the Oliver Community Arts Council.  Really? Truly? Yes.

A small number of early-bird tickets will be sold to generate  funds necessary to cover upfront expenses. They are already selling like hotcakes, so contact the arts council to reserve yours fast. They will be sold for the unbelievably (non-refundable) low price of $20 each, a steal when Burgess commands tickets for three to five times that price.

Regular advance tickets, at $25 apiece,  will be sold at local vendors once the first 100 early birds are gone. Ticket price at the door will be $35. Stay tuned for the announcement of vendors in Oliver, Osoyoos, and Penticton,

Early bird tickets can be purchased  from committee members Bernice Myllyniemi, Penelope Johnson, Mary Fry and Stephanie Salsnek. Contact olivercac @ gmail.com and include in your request the number of tickets and preferred payment. Credit card payment can also be received directly by calling Paw Prints Studio and Gallery at 250.498-4732

A popular singer, tenor, and actor,  Michael Burgess was born in Saskatchewan but raised in Toronto. He made his professional debut in The Fantasticks (Edmonton 1968), but came to national prominence as Jean Valjean in the long-running original Canadian staging of Les Misérables (1989-92). Later, he was Don Quixote in Man of La Mancha (Edmonton 1992, Toronto 1993), and appeared in the musicals Ten Lost Years, Blood Brothers, The Fantasticks, and Jacques Brel Is Alive and Well and Living in Paris. He created the role of Victor Frankenstein in the world premiere of Frankenstein . . . Do You Dream (Hamilton, 1 Nov 2003), and of Sound Man in Brian Finley’s Rapunzel (Westben Arts Festival, 10 Jun 2005).

Although without extensive opera training, Burgess sang his first opera role in 1974 (La Bohème, at Toronto’s Dell Cabaret Theatre), and has sung for Dallas Civic Opera, Western Opera Theatre, San Francisco Opera, and Virginia Opera. As Captain Corcoran, he performed in HMS Pinafore for the Stratford Festival in 1981. He was tenor soloist in Messiah with the Bach Elgar Choir (1996), and MacHeath in The Beggar’s Opera for Edmonton’s Citadel Theatre (1995).

Perenially popular among show-tune aficionados for his solo pop concerts and soulful yet virile demeanour, Burgess has toured extensively in Canada (often accompanied by Doug Riley), and has performed with the Vancouver, Edmonton and Winnipeg symphony orchestras and the Calgary Philharmonic. His signature song is “Bring Him Home” from Les Misérables made doubly famous beyond the theatre world when Kurt Browning used his version to perform in the 1990 World Figure Skating Championships.

He is also known in Canada for his frequent vocal performances of national anthems. Hockey fans are sure to have heard his heartfelt renditions that blow the roof off the stadium. Burgess was also the first individual to sing “O Canada” at the baseball World Series, in Atlanta in 1992

The Vancouver Sun praised Burgess’s “intense performance” as Jean Valjean: “Burgess is exquisitely moving when he sings the show’s one beautiful song, ‘Bring Him Home’ . . . .” (26 Jul 1990). Maclean’s said, “Burgess is an affecting Valjean: a solid masculine presence whose soaring spirit is captured by a pulsing tenor” (27 Mar 1989). Burgess holds the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal. and recently was presented with the Order of Ontario.

Burgess performed last summer in Penticton, with 3000 in attendance. Tickets to another concert scheduled for this summer have already sold out — within days,, and at much higher prices. Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to hear the glorious tenor which is … Michael Burgess.

Concert season opens with lyric soprano

Submitted by Marion Boyd, SOCS

Last year at this time the South Okanagan Concert Society was reassuring citizens they could look forward to world class concerts despite the massive fire that consumed the local high school and auditorium. Switching to the temporary venue of the Oliver Alliance Church, a concert series was specifically designed to take advantage of the acoustics in a smaller, more intimate setting. It was a huge success.

This year, while construction of the new auditorium is underway, the concert society has again shaped a series to bring delight to a community rising above its grievous loss. Flex pass tickets are on sale now at Beyond Bliss (Oliver) and at Imperial Office Pro (Osoyoos). The four admission pass costs only $60. The four admissions are entirely flexible and can be used together or in any combination. Single admission is $20. Young people 17 and under are welcome to attend the concerts free. All the concerts will begin at the new start time of 7:30 pm.

Here’s what we have in store for you! On Friday, November 2 the stunning soprano, Tracy Fehr (pictured above), will offer a programme to showcase her classically trained lyric voice. Expect operatic arias, German lieder, arrangements of African-American spirituals and musical theatre hits. Dennis Nordlund will provide the piano accompaniment.

Friday, November 30th a complete change of pace will occur when the 2011 Canadian Grand Master Fiddle champion, Daniel Gervais, performs. He has been playing violin since age 5 and moves comfortably from fiddle styles to classical violin. No wonder one of his CDs has the title “Endless Possibilities”.

 

 

Some familiar faces appear for the Friday, February 8th concert, Duo Rendezvous. Jasper Wood, violinist, has enthralled the audience before and when he joins with the charismatic Daniel Bolshoy on classical guitar the outcome will undoubtedly be musical magic. Last year Daniel’s virtuosity and his charming ability to communicate with the audience created a coterie of new local fans.

 

 

 

The series will conclude on Thursday, March 7th , when the Concert Society takes a firm step out onto a limb. This concert is like no other. Woody Holler and his Orchestra are purveyors of western swing. They love to explore the crossover between jazz and western and produce “gypsy jazz from the saddle”. Raised on cowboy songs and later trained in classical voice and opera, Woody’s voice plus violin, guitar and bass create arrangements rich with virtuosity and style.

This is a series guaranteed to chase away any winter blues with music, music, music!

Nashville Rocks Rustico

YeeHaa! Git yer cowboy hat and some stompin boots on!

The Oliver Sagebrushers are presenting their Second Annual country concert, “ Nashville Rocks Rustico” featuring the music of “Almost Alan”, Canada’s famous Alan Jackson Tribute Artist, Aaron Halliday, and the South Okanagan’s well-loved country rockers Mikie Spillett and Dale Seaman. Last year`s concert was a big success, and it looks as if this one might just top it.

The evening begins at 6.00 p.m., Friday September 28th at the Rustico Farm & Cellars Winery on Hwy.97 and Rd.16 west. What a great way to kick off the Fall Wine Festival!

A potluck dinner may be enjoyed under the pergola while admiring the incredible panorama below. Just bring along some food to share.

Tickets are $20.00 per person and may be purchased at Lauralee’s Treasure Cellar on Main Street in Oliver, Tuesday to Friday, by calling Sally at 250-498-0104, or right at Rustico Winery  31238 – Golden Mile Dr..

The Quail’s Roost Gallery will be open with members of the Oliver Sagebrushers hosting your evening. So come and enjoy an evening under the stars and with the Stars.

Directions to the winery: Off Highway 97 between Oliver and Osoyoos take Road 16 on west side to 123rd St., left turn to Rustico sign. (approx. distance from corner of Hwy 97 is 0.4 kms.)